Spring Hill Development Stalled as Sewer Moratorium Takes Effect

Issue #518

August 06, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ High of 88, low of 67.

📰 Spring Hill Development Stalled as Sewer Moratorium Takes Effect

📰 Street Paving Update: Recently Completed Roads

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Spring Hill Development Stalled as Sewer Moratorium Takes Effect

Spring Hill is under a temporary halt on new sewer connections after repeated environmental violations at the city’s wastewater treatment facility triggered enforcement from the state.

Between June 2023 and May 2025, the city reported nearly 30 instances where the treatment plant exceeded permitted discharge levels. These issues, self-reported by the city to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), resulted in a formal Consent Order and a $65,700 civil penalty. A portion of that fine—20%, or $13,140—must be paid within 30 days.

As part of the agreement with the state, Spring Hill is now prohibited from approving any new sewer connections unless the project already holds vested rights under Tennessee law. This restriction is expected to impact development activity in the area until the treatment plant shows consistent performance for a full year.

City leaders formally accepted the terms of the Consent Order at a recent Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. Mayor Matt Fitterer acknowledged the severity of the situation and emphasized that the city has been transparent throughout the process. He said Spring Hill is taking full responsibility and is focused on correcting the underlying problems. The top priority, he noted, is to restore full compliance while ensuring the health and safety of residents.

To move forward, the treatment plant must go 12 consecutive months without a major overflow or bypass incident exceeding 400 gallons. The facility is also required to participate in the Tennessee Plant Optimization Program through early 2026, with two progress updates due to the state—one by mid-October and another by February.

While this development poses a setback for Spring Hill’s rapid growth, officials say they are committed to lasting improvements and restoring reliable service.

Street Paving Update: Recently Completed Roads 

From City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

The City of Columbia’s largest-ever paving project is underway—resurfacing 28 miles of city-maintained roads through a $4.5 million investment to improve local infrastructure. Roads were selected based on a comprehensive assessment that utilized advanced technology and machine learning to evaluate pavement conditions and prioritize those in most critical need.

To view the list of streets included in the project visit here.

If your street isn’t included in this year’s paving project, it may be:

-Scheduled for upcoming utility work
-Set to receive curb, drainage, or sidewalk upgrades first
-In lower priority based on overall condition

Public Works continues daily road maintenance, repairing 20–35 potholes using up to 2 tons of asphalt.

Report city potholes: 931-388-8650

Report state road issues: 833-TDOTFIX or visit here.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, August 6th

Thursday, August 7th

Friday, August 8th

Saturday, August 9th

Sunday, August 10th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 14 - 23: Tennessee State Fair (Lebanon)
Aug 22: Tennessee Titans First Pre-Season Home Game
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, August 6th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
ACA / DACA & Wentzel Brothers, Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:30 PM

Thursday, August 7th

Robb Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Friday, August 8th

Shannon McCue, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Hannah Hokit, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Karli & James, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Escape, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, August 9th

Nick Bentley, Keg Springs, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Box of Rox, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Trevor Clark, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Brooks Huntley, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
NKahootz, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Benji & The Jets, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 10th 

The Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
CJ Conklin, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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